For the most part, I'm over apocalyptic horror. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead were gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for some time. But, the platform's latest Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, managed to defy my expectations and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted when a van plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out and begins assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, allowing us to observe this household before the tragedy struck.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly gives the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a falling out among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games with Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family patriarch consists of her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his wife to his daughter's ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is extremely strained.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so engrossed in the family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama to the point I almost overlooked I was watching a horror film—something that could sound like a drawback, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative represents, plus the ways they contribute to the overall turmoil. This focus on clashing traits allowed me to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—a rare feat in a genre that often presents individuals just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to devour, thus it's a genuine surprise once events finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences from the gathering and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden turn toward "holy shit" territory. These early moments aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still provides sufficient time to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Unique Infection Source
The film also offers a quite interesting explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While we do learn a bit about its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time on how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a deadly elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Despite the lack of background, the effect this condition has on humans is absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a bold decision, but it works. The Elixir's practical effects and CGI also appear quite convincing, and are practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
Even better than the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see some instances of dubious decision-making (like any any good zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to strike a zombie in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find instead of freezing like a deer in headlights as death nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people begin transforming into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been brewing over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and relatable because the film doesn't try to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem much more genuine.
Stereotypical Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight regarding relatives or society, as well. Instead, it's mostly delivering frights. Yet these are successful scares, and because the film allows every personality enough room to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the result is an engaging and entertaining
